That was most definitely a joke - Chapman won't be starting and as soon as the Reds enter the ninth with a lead, it's more likely than not, Chapman will be coming out from the bullpen.

For his part, Chapman hopes that happens sooner, rather than later.

"Always you want to be with the team, but there are always things that are out of your control," Chapman said according to Tomas Vera, the team's assistant athletic trainer, who served as an interpreter. "I've always wanted to be here, be with my team and help my team."

Chapman's return should bolster a bullpen that has converted just half of its 12 save appearances, including a blown save by Jonathan Broxton -- his first -- on Friday.

"It gives us where we've been successful in the past is having depth in each spot, we can use Broxton on days that we don't have Chapman," Price said. "We can use (Sam) LeCure and Broxton to share some of the responsibilities of those late--game situations. I think (Sean) Marshall looked really good in Boston and I think he's getting to the point where he can share some duties with (Manny) Parra. (J.J.) Hoover can give LeCure rest -- (Logan) Ondrusek, et cetera."

Chapman was hit in the face during spring training and required surgery to place a metal plate above his left eye. He made four minor-league rehab appearances -- two at Class A Dayton and two for Triple-A Louisville.

Chapman did not fare well in Louisville, pitching totaling just one inning over two outings, allowing eight runs on seven hits, two walks and a hit batter.

He pitched two scoreless innings for Dayton, allowing a walk.

Partch has appeared in three games for the Reds this season in two different stints, throwing 4 1/3 innings and not allowing a run.

At each stop of his recovery -- from the day he retuned to the team's clubhouse days after surgery to his bullpens and then to his rehab starts -- Chapman has reiterated that he will have no issue with the mental side of returning to the game after getting hit in the head.

"It's remarkable, I think it's something he's done talking about," Price said. "I don't think he needs a refresher. I think he's proven throughout the course of his rehab that he's not affected by the events that happened in Surprise against the Royals. I think he's really trying to put it behind him and focus on being part of the team again and helping us win games."